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THE Ets-1 proto-oncogene is a member of a transcription factor family characterized by homology to the v-ets oncogene [1-4]. In adult mice, Ets-1 is expressed predominantly in lymphoid cells where it has been implicated in regulating transcription of lymphocyte-specific genes [5-7]. Following T-cell activation, the specific DNA binding activity of Ets-1 is inactivated by transient phosphorylation, suggesting a function in the transition from the resting to activated state [8,9]. Ets-1 has also been suggested to cooperate with the AP-1 transcription factor complex to mediate cellular growth factor responses [4]. Here we show, by using RAG-2-deficient blastocyst complementation [10], that Ets-1 deficiency has dramatic, but different, effects on development and function of T- and B-lineage cells. Ets-1-deficient T cells were present in reduced numbers and were highly susceptible to cell death in vitro. In contrast, Ets-1-deficient B cells were present in normal numbers but a large proportion were IgM plasma cells. Our data demonstrate that Ets-1 is essential for maintenance of the normal pool of resting T- and B-lineage cells.

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